Single Cup Coffee Makers: 2022 Reviews and Recommendations

Today, it’s understandable why you might choose a single cup coffee maker to provide complete enjoyment in a single cup.

Every day, the average coffee drinker consumes approximately 3 cups of coffee. These portions aren’t served all at once, but rather throughout the day.

A single-serve coffee maker is ideal if you live alone and don’t have to brew a whole coffee pot every morning. Also, you can use it if your family members have various coffee preferences and tastes.

Single serve coffee makers allow you to prepare one cup at a time, precisely how you like it.

Since you’re just making 5 to 12 ounces at a time, there won’t be any wasted coffee (or water!) talk about being eco-friendly!

Last update on 2023-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

And you’ll always have a fresh, hot cup when you want it. Before I dive into the details of the best single serve coffee makers, let us have a single-cup Coffee Maker Overview;

Single-cup Coffee Maker Overview

The coffee has a medium body and strength. To avoid getting disappointed, search for a coffee that lets you customize your coffee’s strength.

Most of the time, you’ll be working with pods or capsules, and you’ll need to keep a supply on hand as well as a place to store them.

The pods are more expensive than ground coffee, costing between 60 and 80 cents each. Some types use reusable filters that you load with ground coffee, but it eliminates one of the machines’ advantages.

Models come with a variety of interesting features, as well as styles that double as a full carafe for entertaining. Classier machines, on the other hand, are often more costly, require more counter space, and are more difficult to operate.

Coffee pods do not decompose in the environment. The majority are recyclable, but you’ll need to remove the top, dump or compost the coffee grinds inside, and then rinse the pods before throwing them in the recycling bin.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Single K Cup Coffee Maker

There are numerous models and brands to choose from when buying a single-serve coffee maker, but how do you know which model is for you?  

There are things you should remember when choosing;

Brewing Options

Some single-serve coffee machines can only create one size of a cup. And others can produce around 16 ounces of coffee options ranging from regular to sophisticated beverages.

These include iced drinks, cappuccinos, and lattes on more complex models with milk frothing attachments.

Reusable filters vs. single-use coffee pods: Which is better?

Coffee pods, such as the popular K-Cup pods from Keurig, are used in most single-serve coffee makers. Small plastic cups or aluminum cups with pre-portioned coffee grinds and built-in filters are referred to as pods.

K-Cups and coffee capsules are easy to use, but they’re more expensive than making your coffee from scratch.

While some pods, such as K-Cups, are recyclable, you must first remove the grounds and foil. Be sure to confirm with the local recycling facility whether they process the type of plastic used to make your pods.

Alternatives such as soft pods are popular: The ground coffee is packaged in a spherical paper filter that looks like a teabag, removing the need for plastic.

If you don’t want to use pods, there are single K cup coffee maker devices with a reusable filter that you may fill with your ground coffee.  

The more environmentally responsible option is reusable filters, but they should be cleaned after use.

All the reusable coffee filters are easy to remove from the coffee maker and are dishwasher safe. We recommend you add two tablespoons of coffee grinds to the reusable filter when making a six-ounce cup.

Speed

A Single cup coffee maker provides the advantage of swiftly brewing a cup of coffee. Some include a powerful water heating system that can swiftly boil water as well as brew coffee!

Others will require you to prepare and pour your coffee grounds. In our tests, an eight-ounce cup of coffee took about two minutes to make.

Water Reservoir

How frequently do you make coffee? A large water tank would be beneficial for two or more servings each day, as it would imply less replenishing.

Some water tanks are detachable and even have handles. That makes them easy to clean, or carry to the sink to refill, while other reservoirs are attached permanently to the coffee machine.

Other machines don’t have a water reservoir at all, so you’ll have to measure and add the water you wish to brew each time.

1.Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With a simple swivel water reservoir intended to accommodate your counter’s arrangement, the K-Duo Plus and carafe coffee maker is Keurig’s most versatile single cup coffee maker.

And this makes both single-serve K-Cups (to about 12 oz) and even full 60oz carafes.

· Brand Keurig

· Color Black

· Human Interface Buttons

· Dimensions LxWxH 15.88 x 7.68 x 14.9 inches

· Weight 16.1 Pounds

Features of the Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve

Performance: Single-serving and multiple-serving

The K-Duo Keurig Plus is easy to operate as you only press a few buttons to get started (or you may have none at all when you select the auto-brewery option).

Fill the reservoir up to its max fill line, add your coffee grinds to the filtering basket. This is found on top of the machine in a filter basket drawer).

Then close the filter basket drawer, and place your carafe on a drip tray to brew a pot of coffee up to 12 cups.

Press the “Carafe” button, next select your preferred brew size after turning on the machine through the “Power” button (12, 10, 6, or 8 cups). The coffee is done when the brewing indicator light stops glowing.

By placing K-Cup pods into the machine’s pod holder, this Keurig single cup coffee maker can also brew single cups. 

Set the cup on the drip tray, open the pod holding door (behind the filter basket drawer), and insert the K-Cup pod before closing it. Then pick the “Pod” option, followed by the brew size (12, 10, 8, or 6-ounces).

With this machine, one can order any drink they want, including chai lattes, hot chocolate, and regular coffee.

This coffee machine is ideal for single serves because the carafe helps keep your coffee warm. The coffee stays warm for several hours when left the carafe is on the drip for a few hours (up to four or even five hours).

This single serve k cup coffee maker machine is more than reasonably priced. That’s considering it has several added functions including an adjustable water tank, auto-brewing, and the ability to make single and multi-cups servings.

Even though it’s easy to use, some can be turned off by the lack of configurable options on the machine. If the user desires a stronger coffee, there’s a “Strong” button, even though there aren’t many differences in taste between this and the standard brew technique.

Design: Compatible with a reusable mesh filter, it’s easy to use

The K-Duo Plus & Carafe Coffee Maker has a sleek design that complements all other Keurig’s elegant line of products.

This black single cup coffee maker has silver accents and has a sleek design that would look great in any kitchen.

A variable water reservoir is included with this coffee machine. This implies the user can move the water reservoir’s base to the machine’s back, left, or right.

That’s useful because it allows you to maximize your counter space by moving the reservoir base to the back of the machine. This then reduces the machine’s width from 8.2 inches to 7.68 inches.

The single-serve k cup coffee maker also includes a gold-tone mesh reusable filter. That’s great because it means the user doesn’t have to buy any paper filters (though you may if you like).

To keep the filter clean, simply discard the grounds and wash it after each use.

Cleaning Ease: Requires regular cleaning

To keep it working well, this coffee machine needs to be cleaned regularly. After each usage, make sure you clean the filter basket, carafe, carafe lid, as well as mesh filter.

Hand-washing these parts with warm, soapy water is required. The brewer’s exterior, drip tray, K-Cup pod holder, water reservoir, together with exit & entrance needles. 

For example, you can wash all of them less regularly. There are no pieces that can be cleaned using the dishwasher. 

Every three months, a descaling procedure should be carried out to maintain this Keurig single cup, coffee maker. 

Auto Brew

Programmable Carafe Auto Brewing function allows users to select a preferred brewing time 24 hours in advance.

It’s one of the optional features included with this machine (see instructions online and in the quickstart guide).

Instead of having to go through the coffee brewing process in the morning, the user will enjoy walking downstairs to their kitchen and finding their coffee waiting for them.

There’s also a Pause & Pour feature, which allows you to remove the carafe before it’s finished brewing. The single cup coffee maker will take a 20-second break from brewing to allow you to pour a hot cup of coffee.

Price: Affordable

At roughly $200, the K-Duo Plus brew Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Makers offer good value. The normal coffee machine costs roughly $150, but this machine is more than reasonable.

That’s if you consider it has several added functions including auto-brewing, detachable water reservoir, and the ability to make single and multi-cups servings.

2.Keurig K Mini Single Serve K Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One of Keurig’s most economical alternatives is the Mini K cup pod coffee maker. It’s an easy-to-use simple brewer model that’s perfect for making coffee.

The K-Mini is an amazing beginner-level single serve k cup coffee maker that can work in most kitchens and suit most budgets.

It’s easy to maintain and use, and it works using all standard K-Cups. Furthermore, the Keurig k mini single serve k cup pod coffee maker brews delicious, hot coffee at the touch of a button.

You might need to upgrade to Keurig coffee makers with more features if you’re looking for more function from your coffee machine. It does not allow you to set a timer and even have complete control over your brew intensity.

Also, you’ll need to add water every time. It’s also a touch noisy with this model. Even so, it’s a good deal and brews quickly.

· Brand Keurig

· Color Black

· Human Interface Buttons

· Dimensions LxWxH 11.3 x 4.5 x 12.1 inches

· Weight 4.6 pounds

Features of the Keurig K Mini Single Serve coffee maker

Performance

The Keurig Mini is a relatively simple machine and that is a good thing, particularly when you take coffee to operate in the morning.

Only two buttons are present that’s a power button and the brewing button. There’s a curved light that starts blinking when the device is ready to start brewing.

You’ll have to add water every time because the water reservoir is so little and there’s no option to alter the cup size. You can add water (6-12 ounces) and the machine will use all of it when brewing coffee.

The detachable drip tray is a helpful feature. Remove it for easier cleaning or to use a higher travel mug.

This can be removed for easier cleaning or to make room for a taller travel cup. The Mini can hold mugs 7 inches tall if the drip tray is removed.

Timers, Clocks, and brew-strength adjustments aren’t available on this single cup coffee maker.

The auto-off feature, which turns the machine off 90 seconds after each brew cycle, is the unit’s most automated feature.

Simply add water, put a K-Cup, push down the lever, and push the brew button to utilize this machine. You’ll get a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee in a matter of minutes.

Design

The Keurig Mini is a compact and stylish coffee maker that fits on any kitchen counter. It is operated by a single silver button on top and comes in four distinct colors, including pink and green.

In the back, there’s a small 12-ounce water tank. You can see the water level you’ve added because the sides are translucent. However, this is difficult to see from the front.

The power cord can be wrapped around the back of your Keurig single cup coffee maker for easy carrying. Furthermore, the machine as a whole only weighs 4.6 pounds.

Cleaning Ease

Like all best coffee machines, the Keurig Mini requires regular cleaning as well as descaling. The major drawback is it lacks a program to act as a cleaning indicator.

That means you’ll have to conduct thorough descaling cycles yourself. The drip tray is easily removable, and the machine is simple to clean. Overall, the cleaning requirements for this model are relatively low.

Extra Features: Pods Compatibility

The Keurig Mini single-serve k cup pod coffee maker accepts all regular-sized K-Cup pods. However, it will not work with the Vue, K-Carafe, K-Mug, or Rivo pods.

Since this type is not Keurig 2.0, you won’t worry about the K-Cups not getting read. If you prefer having reusable K-Cups, consider getting the My K-Cup universal filters. 

Warranty

Keurig offers a standard one-year warranty on the Mini. To get the most out of your machine, register it as soon as possible after getting it.

Price: Fair

The Keurig K Mini single-serve coffee maker Black costs below $100 on Amazon. The other colors available are Dreamy Blue, Dust Rose, Poppy Red, and Studio Grey.

The Keurig Mini is a solid single-serve coffee machine that provides excellent value for its low price. It’s easy to use and clean, and it brews hot and delicious cups of joe.

3. Keurig K Compact K-Cup Single Serve Pod Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Keurig K Compact Single Serve K cup pod Coffee Maker is one of the models that let you make several cup sizes ranging from 6 oz to 10 oz, with the strongest brew being 6 oz.

This model stands out because of its quick brew time; it allows you to make coffee in seconds, which is ideal for early Monday mornings.

· Brand Keurig

· Color Black

· Human Interface Buttons

· Dimensions LxWxH 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches

· Weight 7.98 pounds

Features of the Keurig K Compact Single Serve K Cup Pod Coffee Maker

The Keurig K Compact k cup pod Coffee Maker comes in a variety of colors including black, red, white, grey, and turquoise.

It comes with a 36oz removable water reservoir and brews three cup sizes: 6oz, 8oz, and 10oz. Drinks can be created in less than a minute.

Quality

There is a lot of cynicism about single-cup coffee makers, especially among coffee purists. That’s because they believe the drinks are inferior to those made by bigger barista-style machines.

This is frequently the case, but it does not imply that the machines do not make decent coffee. Additionally, in many cases, the convenience will outweigh any taste loss.

According to online reviews, the Keurig K-Compact will give you mixed brewing results. Some reviewers laud the flavor, while others complain about its lack of depth.

That’s understandable given its modest appearance and the fact that each of its drinks is prepared in the same manner.

Design

Standing 8 inches wide, this K-Compact Coffee Maker from Keurig is narrower than a standard mug but tall enough to allow a 7-inch travel mug.

It contains a single K-Cup slot hidden inside a bale at the top of the machine, as well as three buttons that symbolize the various drink sizes it produces.

The single cup coffee maker is 12.5 inches tall when the bale is closed. When fully expanded, it measures 16.25 inches.

Other Features: Pods Compatibility

There are approximately 260 K-Cups available from various manufacturers, but 11 of them are iced-based, meaning they will not work with the K-Compact.

96 Barista Prima Coffeehouse capsules, on the other hand, cost $59.99 (62 cents each cup), while a 75-pack of Starbucks pods costs $59.97.

Price: Affordable

The Keurig K-Compact Single Serve K Cup Pod Coffee Maker black costs under $100 on Amazon. 

The Keurig K Compact’s range of options combined with the lack of the need to learn complicated controls or become an expert barista makes it a machine that appeals to a wide range of people. Its pricing reflects this.

It’s a simple, economical method to get started with home-brewed coffee, and we recommend it to novices in particular.

Single Cup Coffee Makers – The Verdict

The single cup coffee makers listed above are ideal entry-level machines for beginners and pro users who want an upgrade.

With the various brew options and cup sizes offered, you have a chance to dive into different brew styles.

This goes from regular to fancy brewing while still achieving the hot, aromatic, and sweet quality coffee in every cup.

The ease of use and cleaning means the user will not have a hard time maintaining it. These coffee makers offer a better experience at an affordable price.